Special effects techniques

ABSTRACT

A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a ground controller and an unmanned aerial vehicle including communications circuitry configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the ground controller. The system may also include a vehicle controller configured to execute a flight plan and at least one special effects module. The system may also include a special effects module controller configured to cause the special effect to be activated in response to an activation signal from the ground controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/042,106, entitled “Untethered Special EffectsPlatform” and filed Aug. 26, 2014, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusementparks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relateto methods and equipment utilized to provide amusement park experiences.

BACKGROUND

Throughout amusement parks and other entertainment venues, specialeffects can be used to help immerse guests in the experience of a rideor show. The location of these special effects, such as water lobs orscent cannon blasts, is traditionally constrained by the necessity toattach the effect assembly to a facility or structure. Once installed,the location of the effect assembly is typically static and difficult tochange. In one example, theme parks may include characters performancesor live shows that tie in to the rides or other entertainment options.Because theme parks attract repeat visitors, it is desirable tofrequently change such shows to keep even repeat visitors entertained.However, static effects assemblies may constrain the ability of a themepark to modify live shows and their corresponding special effects.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimedsubject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments areintended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosedembodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety offorms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forthbelow.

In accordance with one embodiment, a special effects system includes aground controller and an unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerialvehicle includes communications circuitry configured to transmit signalsto and receive signals from the ground controller and a vehiclecontroller configured to execute a flight plan. The unmanned aerialvehicle also includes at least one special effects module of theunmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes aspecial effects module controller of the at least one special effectsmodule, the special effects module controller configured to instruct thespecial effects module to activate the special effect in response to anactivation signal from the ground controller.

In accordance with another embodiment, a special effects system includesa ground controller and plurality of unmanned aerial vehiclesrespectively comprising communications circuitry configured to transmitsignals to and receive signals from the ground controller; a vehiclecontroller configured to execute a flight plan; and at least one specialeffects module. The special effects module includes a special effectsmaterial; and a special effects module controller configured to causethe special effects material to be released in response to an activationsignal from the ground controller, wherein the respective flight plansof the unmanned aerial vehicles are independent of one another and areconfigured to be executed within a running time of a theme park show.The ground controller is configured to generate respective activationsignals to the respective unmanned aerial vehicles to activaterespective special effects during the running time of the theme parkshow.

In accordance with another embodiment, a special effects system includesa ground controller and a plurality of unmanned aerial vehiclesrespectively comprising communications circuitry configured to transmitsignals to and receive signals from the ground controller. The systemalso includes a vehicle controller configured to execute a flight plan;and at least one special effects module. The special effects moduleincludes a special effects material; and at least one special effectsmodule controller configured to cause the special effects material to bereleased in response to an activation signal from the ground controller.The ground controller is configured to generate respective maintenancesignals to the respective unmanned aerial vehicles to return forservice.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a theme park including a special effectsvehicle system in accordance with present techniques;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the special effects vehicle system inaccordance with present techniques;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a special effects module in accordance withpresent techniques;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for using the special effectsvehicle system in accordance with present techniques;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a special effects vehicle in accordancewith present techniques;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of special effects vehicle system includingspecial effects modules in accordance with present techniques;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a theme park show including a specialeffects vehicle system in accordance with present techniques;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of guest-controlled special effects inaccordance with present techniques;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for using the special effectsvehicle system for guest-mediated special effects in accordance withpresent techniques;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a special effects vehicle used inconjunction with an amusement park ride in accordance with presenttechniques;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a maintenance method for the specialeffects vehicle system in accordance with present techniques; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a tethered special effects vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Presently disclosed embodiments allow effects to be placed in previouslyunreachable areas, such as above a lagoon or in open space, usingUnmanned Aerial Vehicles. Accordingly, the location of an effect can beprogrammed to move along a path throughout the attraction, show, ride orother venue. This path may be reprogrammable or provided in real-time,which permits straightforward changes or updates to the locations of anyspecial effects. Accordingly, certain embodiments of the disclosure“untether” a special effect from a dedicated location and eliminate theneed for attachment to a stationary facility or structure.

In accordance with present embodiments, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV), e.g., multicopter, is outfitted to provide a special effect orspecial effects, becoming an untethered special effects platform. Thespecials effects delivered by such a platform could include watereffects, scent cannons, compressed air blasts, steam blasts, theatricalsmoke or fog, snow, bubbles, confetti, flame effects, or directionalspeakers and other audio effects.

In one embodiment, the untethered special effect vehicle may be used inconjunction with a live show. The placement or path of the specialeffect may be pre-choreographed or provided in real-time to correspondto the show. That is, the operation of the special effect vehicle may betriggered to activate during the show and to travel along thepre-programmed path, as well as deliver special effects at designatedtimes and/or locations, with no manual intervention. The special effectsplatform could be controlled by an onboard controller, an off-boardcontroller, or a combination thereof. Multiple platforms could be usedin the same show to provide effects in different locations, and theseplatforms may share a controller or may operate under control of acentral control system.

Present embodiments of the special effects vehicles and associatedtechniques are more versatile than traditional special effectstechniques. Present embodiments apply UAV technology to theentertainment industry and particularly to the provision of physicalspecial effects and action-based special effects features (e.g.,equipment for providing water effects, scent cannons, compressed airblasts, steam blasts, theatrical smoke or fog, snow, bubbles, confetti,flame effects) that are not merely lighting and projectors. As notedabove, present embodiments may provide directional audio or other typesof audio using directional speakers from a UAV platform positioned inpreviously inaccessible locations. In addition, the disclosed specialeffects vehicles may be used in conjunction with live shows, characterinteractions (e.g., non show-based interactions with theme park guestsor other characters), theme park rides, or other theme park orentertainment events.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a special effects vehicle system 10operated in the setting of a theme park 14. A fleet 16 of specialeffects vehicles 18 is operated under control of a ground controller,e.g., a special effects control system 20. The park includes a number ofattractions 22, which may include rides, entertainment venues, shopping,or restaurants. Via the control system 20, individual special effectsvehicles 18 may be deployed to various locations throughout the park 14to facilitate specific special effects. The fleet 16 may include one ormore types of vehicles 18, and each individual vehicle 18 may beconfigured for one or more special effects. The vehicles 18 communicatewirelessly with the special effects control system 20 to receiveinstructions to execute a desired flight plan and/or to trigger aspecial effect. The communication may be mediated through one or moreradio towers 24 that, in certain embodiments, may distributed throughoutthe park 14.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the communication interaction between thespecial effects control system 20 and an individual special effectsvehicle 18 to facilitate special effects triggering. One or both of thespecial effects control system 20 and an individual special effectsvehicle 18 may include communications circuitry (e.g., communicationscircuitry 34 or 36), such as antennas, radio transceiver circuits, andsignal processing hardware and/or software (e.g., hardware or softwarefilters, A/D converters, multiplexers amplifiers), or a combinationthereof, and that may be configured to communicate over wirelesscommunication paths via IR wireless communication, satellitecommunication, broadcast radio, Microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee etc.Such communication may also include intermediate communications devices,such as radio towers 24 (see FIG. 1). In addition, one or both of thespecial effects control system 20 and an individual special effectsvehicle 18 may include a memory device (e.g., memory device 40 or 42)for storing instructions executable by a processor (e.g., processor 44or 46) to perform the methods and control actions described herein. Theprocessor may include one or more processing devices, and the memory mayinclude one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media. Byway of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM,EEPROM, or optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by the processor or by otherprocessor-based devices (e.g., mobile devices). For example, specialeffects control system 20 may be accessed by an operator interface 50,e.g., a computer-based workstation or a mobile device, and/or mayinclude an input/output interface 56 and a display.

While the special effects control system 20 may be implemented as aseparate device or devices from the special effects vehicles 18, itshould be understood that certain functionality disclosed as part of thespecial effects control system 20 may be additionally or alternativelyimplemented within the special effects vehicles 18. As illustrated, thespecial effects vehicle 18 includes a vehicle controller 64 thatcontrols execution of a flight plan or flight path for the vehicle 18.The flight plan may be communicated from the special effects controlsystem 20 (e.g., in real-time) or may be pre-programmed and stored inthe memory 42. Further, in certain embodiments, operator input may beimplemented in real-time to generate a flight plan and/or may overrideprevious flight plan instructions. The vehicle controller 64 controlsoperation of the motor 66 and other flight components of the specialeffects vehicle 18 to execute the desired flight plan. In oneembodiment, the special effects vehicle 18 may provide navigation orguidance information to the special effects control system 20 to use asfeedback for determining when to trigger the special effect. Forexample, the special effect may be triggered at a particular geographiclocation, GPS coordinates, or relative to a particular landmark orattraction. Accordingly, the special effects vehicle 18 may use locationinformation determined by position and/or telemetry circuitry 68, suchas GPS information accessed from a GPS chip, triangulation informationfrom radio communication, and/or feedback from one or more cameras,position sensors, or proximity sensors on the special effects vehicle18. Position and/or telemetry circuitry 68 may also provide feedback tokeep the special effects vehicle 18 outside of a particular boundary toprevent guest interference with the vehicles. The special effectsvehicle 18 may also include one or more power sources 72, e.g., abattery, solar cells, inductive coupling devices. As disclosed, thespecial effects vehicle 18 may be implemented as an untethered platformfor special effects using an on-board power source, such as aself-charging or rechargeable power source. However, in certainembodiments, the special effects vehicle 18 may be coupled to a powersource by a cord.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a special effects module70 that includes a controller 74 that may include a processor and amemory storing instructions and circuitry for coupling to andcontrolling mechanical components of the special effects module 70. Thespecial effects module also includes a special effects material 76. Thespecial effects material 76 may be contained within a housing 78, suchas a canister or case, that is capable of being triggered to release thespecial effects material 76, which may be any suitable special effectsmaterial that is nontoxic and for entertainment purposes, such as water,snow, confetti, glitter, smoke, bubbles, scented fluid, etc. In oneembodiment, the special effects material 76 may be a reel of ticker tapeor may be copies of a paper message that is released. The triggering maybe mediated by the special effects control system 20. For example, anactivation signal (e.g., a release signal) to release the specialeffects material may be communicated from the special effects controlsystem 20 (see FIG. 2) to the special effects module 70. In turn, thespecial effects module controller 74 may activate a release mechanism 80(e.g., may open a valve, release a door, activate a fan or plunger,pierce a cap, etc.) to allow the special effects material 76 to bedisseminated in the desired location. The special effects material 76may be contained under pressure, e.g., via a CO₂ cartridge mounted influid communication with the housing 78, such that opening of therelease mechanism 80 results in a burst or discharge. In one embodiment,the special effects material 76 is configured within the module 70 forone-time use. That is, opening the release mechanism 80, e.g., opening avalve, activating a blower, or puncturing a seal, releases all or mostof the material 76. The release mechanism 80 may also close after apreset period of time and, in certain embodiments, before all or most ofthe special effects material 76 is disseminated, to permit multipleuses. The special effects module 70 may also include a sensor 81 orother feedback device that provides data to the controller 74, which inturn may provide the data to the ground controller, related to how muchspecial effects material 76 remains in the housing 78, The sensor 81 maybe a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a weight sensor, etc. Forexample, an optical sensor may provide fill level information within thespecial effects module. A change in optical readings may indicate thatthe material is below a certain threshold fill level. In otherembodiments, the feedback device may provide data about a misrelease(e.g., a failure of the release mechanism 80 to properly open or afailure to sense an expected decrease in the fill of the special effectsmaterial after release). Such misrelease data may in turn triggervehicle maintenance.

As provided herein, a special effects vehicle may operate to execute aflight plan with coordinated special effects at a desired location andat a desired time. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method 82 ofcontrolling the special effects vehicle 18. The method may beimplemented by the system 10 using a ground controller, e.g., thespecial effects control system 20 (see FIG. 1). The vehicle may receivea signal from a ground controller (block 84) that results in executionof a flight plan (block 86). In one embodiment, the flight plan iscommunicated to the vehicle prior to execution of the flight plan. Inanother embodiment, the flight plan is pre-programmed or stored in amemory of the vehicle, and the received signal is an activation signalthat causes the vehicle to execute the stored flight plan. In anotherexample, the vehicle may have one or more flight plans stored in thememory, and the signal may include selection information for accessing aparticular flight plan.

The selection of a particular flight plan may, in certain embodiments,be based on the type of special effects module carried by the vehicle.In one example, a special effects vehicle carrying a module configuredfor a water effect may be boundary-limited to only certain geographicareas of a park, e.g., may be bound within an area that does not includeany restaurants or shopping to prevent water discharge onto diners orvendors. In another embodiment, a special effects vehicle carrying watermay only be permitted to fly within a water park area of a larger themepark that also includes a non-water or general ride area. In anotherexample, a special effects vehicle carrying a module configured for aparticular scent cannon, e.g., flowers or candy, may be boundary-limitedto an area of a theme park that aligns with the smell. Such instructionsprevent a flower smell from being released into an area of the park witha vampire or spaceship theme. The boundary limits may be programmed intothe flight plan instructions. In one embodiment, the vehicle may bepermitted to fly to and from the boundary-limited area for maintenanceor recharging, but special effect release may be only permitted within acertain boundary.

In operation, the special effects module may provide identification orspecification information to the vehicle that in turn causes the groundcontroller or the vehicle to communicate or access a particular flightplan based on the characteristics of the special effects module. Inconjunction with execution of the flight plan, the vehicle may receiveone or more signals to release the special effects material in thespecial effects module (block 88). In one embodiment, the activation orrelease signal is bundled with the flight plan such that the release istimed to particular portions of the flight plan. Accordingly, therelease signal may also be pre-preprogrammed into a memory of thevehicle and provided by the vehicle controller to the special effectsmodule. In another embodiment, the release signal may be communicatedfrom a remote controller, e.g., a ground controller, and, in certainembodiments, may be in response to a real-time operator input. Forexample, an operator may press a button to release the special effectsmaterial.

In particular embodiments, the flight plan may also include instructionsto enhance a desired special effect. For example, for a smoke effect,the vehicle may circle about a character or location to create a smokesurround effect. Smoke or other gas effects may also be enhanced bybanking the special effects vehicle. For example, a propeller of aquadcopter may direct the smoke in a particular direction as part of theeffect or to enhance the effect. Such banking or maneuvering to enhancethe effect may be integrated into the flight plan instructions. Inanother embodiment, the release signal may coincide with vehiclehovering to allow the special effect material 76 to disperse in anarrower location. Such an embodiment may be used in conjunction with aconfetti or water cannon released over an individual. In yet anotherembodiment, a scented fluid may be dispersed over a wide area byinstructing the vehicle to continue flying while the special effectsmaterial is being actively released. Accordingly, the ground controlleror the vehicle may coordinate the release signal to coincide withappropriate flight plan signals depending on the desired effect. Inaddition, the release signal may also be dependent on input or feedbackfrom position or telemetry information. Further, the vehicle flight planmay be implemented to account for stability or attitude changes that maybe disrupted by release of the special effects material. In oneembodiment, the vehicle may be configured to return to a desired flightplan in the event of disruptions to the flight plan caused by the thrustof a material release.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a special effects vehicle 18 includingthe special effects module 70 and implemented as a UAV. In theillustrated embodiment, the UAV includes rotors 90 coupled to a body 92by struts 94. The special effects housing 78 of the special effectsmodule 70 is coupled to the vehicle 18 via a connector, such as aharness 96 or clip, which in turn is coupled to the body 92 by a base98. As illustrated, the special effects module 70 is positioned on anunderside of the UAV. However, other orientations are also contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the special effects module 70 may be coupled anduncoupled from the vehicle 18 by an operator. For example, the specialeffects module 70 may be fully modular such that the controller andother components may be removed from the UAV by an operator and replacedby another special effects module 70. In another embodiment, the specialeffects module 70 may be partially modular, whereby a controller (e.g.,controller 74, see FIG. 3) is housed within the base 98, and the housing78 and associated release mechanisms 80 are removable and replaceable.An operator may screw the housing onto a threaded connector of the baseto provide an electrical connection to the release mechanisms 80. Inaddition, the controller may be a universal controller that may workwith a plurality of special effects housings 78. In this manner, thelower cost portions of the housing 78, such as the canisters or case,may be replaced or refilled without concern for the more costly ordelicate processing components.

The special effects vehicle 18 may also include certain nonconsumablespecial effects enhancers, such as directional speakers or lights. Audiodata, such as music or other audio files, may be stored on-board thevehicle 18 or may be communicated via a ground controller. In addition,the special effects vehicle 18 may also include sound abatementfeatures, including baffles to muffle motor noises, quiet propellers,and directional speakers.

A special effects vehicle fleet 16, as illustrated in the block diagramof FIG. 6, includes a plurality of vehicles 18 (e.g., vehicle 18 a, 18b), which in turn may each include one or more special effects modules70 (e.g., special effects modules 70 a, 70 b, 70 c, 70 d), which may bethe same or different, and that are under control of the special effectscontrol system 20. It is contemplated that each special effects vehicle18 may have 1, 2, 3, 4, or more special effects modules 70. In oneembodiment, the special effects vehicle 18 (e.g., vehicle 18 a) hasredundant special effects modules 70 that each contain the same type ofspecial effects material. When operated, the special effects vehicle 18may disperse the special effects material over several uses, eitheralternating between the modules for each use or completely dispersingthe special effects material in a first module (e.g., special effectsmodule 70 a) before dispersing from the second module (e.g., specialeffects module 70 b).

In another embodiment, the special effects vehicle 18 (e.g., vehicle 18b) may include a first special effects module (e.g., special effectsmodule 70 c) of a first type and a second special effects module (e.g.,special effects module 70 d) of a different type. The first type and thesecond type may be complementary, and designed to be released at thesame time or within the same time period to produce a single specialeffect. For example, in one embodiment, a first special effects module(e.g., special effects module 70 c) may include a nontoxic green slimematerial and the second special effects module (e.g., special effectsmodule 70 d) may include a water or cleaning solution dispersed via aspray nozzle. Such module types may operate together via onboardcontrols or in response to signals from the special effects controlsystem 20 to release the slime material from a first special effectsmodule at a first time point at a desired location and to release thewater or cleaning solution at a second, subsequent, time point at thedesired location. In this manner, a live action character or guest maybe “slimed” and then cleaned off. In one embodiment, the activation ofthe second or subsequent special effect may be contingent upon aconfirmation signal that the first effect was correctly released, whichmay be generated based on telemetry and other feedback devices (e.g.,on-board sensors). Such an effect may also be achieved with multiplevehicles 18 (e.g., vehicles 18 a and 18 b) that each carry separatemodules that are released in a desired order to achieve an effect.Additional special effects modules 70 or other modules may also belocated on an individual special effects vehicle 18 (e.g., vehicle 18 b)to enhance such an effect, such as a sound or camera module, and may beactivated by appropriate activation signals. In one embodiment, a cameraactivation signal (to capture still or video images) is tied to therelease of the special effects material to a guest being targeted withthe special effect. The camera data may then be stored and/orcommunicated to a central controller for dissemination to the guests.

Special effects modules 70 onboard the same vehicle 18 may also beselected to be weight-balanced during and after release. For example,the control system 20 may time release signals to alternate between themodules to weight balance the vehicle 18. In another example, arelatively heavier water module may be located onboard with a relativelylighter scent cannon or smoke module to minimize total vehicle weightwhile permitting more complex special effects.

As provided herein, a special effects system may be implemented usingone or more special effects vehicles 18 to enhance a guest experience ata live show, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment,the live show is performed in a lagoon or lake setting, which adds tothe challenge of supporting special effects using tethered or stationarydevices. Such settings may include a stage platform 106 including aprojection screen 108 with stationary lighting complexes. Specialeffects vehicle 18 a is untethered from the stage platform 106,permitting triggering of special effects to augment the projected image,where the special effects may be varied in time, type, and location asthe projected media content changes if the content of a show is updated.In another example, a live show may include a stage platform 110featuring live character actors and/or animatronic FIGS. 120. Specialeffects vehicles 18 c and 18 d may be programmed to interact with thelive actors or the animatronic FIGS. 120. Such programming may bedynamic to account for changes in blocking or timing that may occur. Inone example, a live actor may be surrounded by smoke upon reaching aparticular stage location within a certain time frame. In anotherembodiment, live actors may wear radio transmitting devices that areconfigured transmit a release signal to the special effects vehicle uponactuation of a button or other triggering device. Activation of thespecial effects may also be initiated in real-time by a show technician.In yet another embodiment, an animatronic FIG. 120 may include feedbackdevices that communicate with the special effects vehicles 18 c or 18 dto generate a particular special effect. Such live shows may alsoinclude fairly complex set pieces, such a towers or catwalks 124, andthe special effects vehicle 18 b may have more granular location controlto permit special effects in relatively hard-to-access set pieces.Further, because such shows are often designed to be seen from multipleangles, the special effects vehicle 18 b may circle such set pieces tocreate special effects that are visible at multiple audience angles.

In addition to effects that are located at or near a stage or platform,the special effects vehicles may be used to generate effects for theaudience. Special effects vehicles 18 e, 18 f, 18 g may be programmedwith flight paths that are generally in the location of audience seating130. Audience-centered effects may be timed to coordinate with eventsduring the show. In the illustrated example, at least some of thespecial effects vehicles 18 may have different special effects modulesdepending on the desired effects. In another embodiment, a finale orlarger special effect may be released simultaneously by a group ofspecial effects vehicles 18. For example, bubbles may be released overthe entire audience as an effect for an undersea-themed show. Therelease may coincide with a flight path over the audience such that manymore audience members experience the effect relative to a stationarybubble machine. The air current created by the flying vehicles mayfurther act to disperse the bubbles through the audience seating 130.Vehicle orientation to enhance effect dispersion may be integrated intothe flight plan instructions.

In addition to special effects that support live shows, the specialeffects vehicles may be used in conjunction with other guestexperiences. FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a guest-controlledtriggering of a special effect. The techniques provided herein maypermit a guest 140 to provide input to the special effects controlsystem, e.g., via a handheld device 136 or, in certain embodiments, viaa guest wearable device 144. Such an event may be tied to game play oran achievement level. For example, if the guest 140 a reaches aparticular game level via the handheld device 136, the special effectscontrol system may initiate a special effect, illustrated as a waterspray released by the special effects vehicle 18 a, targeting acompanion 140 b or fellow game player. In one embodiment, the companionor fellow game player may be identified via a group or familyassociation that is stored in the control system. For example, membersof a family may associate their guest-wearable devices 144 with oneanother (e.g., at park entry or via a pre-registration process). Suchassociation may include permission for members of the group (e.g., afriend or family group or guests who have registered for a game orexperience) to target one another for release of special effects whileguests not in the group are not permitted to be targeted. The inputsignal may be generated by the handheld device 136 or guest wearabledevice 144, while the special effect vehicle 18 a is targeted to alocation of the handheld device 136 or a particular guest-wearabledevice 144 b and away from guests wearing non-targeted guest-wearabledevices 144 a and 144 c based on radio transceiver signals from suchdevices that provide location information from other guests. The specialeffects control system may tie the release signal to conditions in whichthe release only effects a guest 140 wearing a specific guest-wearabledevice 144 and may prevent or prohibit release if other guest-wearabledevices 144 that are not targeted are in the vicinity. While theillustrated example shows the guest 140 a targeting the companion 140 b,an individual guest 140 may target themselves. For example, a guest 140may wish to receive a cooling mist spray or a bubble effect. Byproviding an input to the handheld device 136 or via the guest-wearabledevice 144, the special effects vehicle 18 is instructed to move towardsthe guest.

The handheld device 136 or guest-wearable devices 144 may also identifyeligible players of a role-playing game or other live action experiencethat may be enhanced by special effects. For example, a group of guests140 may register for a park experience. Such guests 140 may be issueddedicated handheld or wearable devices, or the registration informationmay be associated with a general handheld or wearable device used forother park experiences. The special effects control system may executeinstructions to trigger special effects for registered guests 140 atrandom intervals or at predetermined times or locations. Accordingly, incertain embodiments, the special effects may be associated withparticular guests and triggered without additional guest input.

In one embodiment, the handheld device 136 may be a wand including anidentification code or a camera-resolvable feature. The handheld device136 is configured to interact with the special effects vehicle, whichmay also include a camera 146 capable of resolving the wand feature. Inone embodiment, the special effects may be triggered based on motion ofthe handheld device 136 as resolved by the camera. Other types oftriggered special effects may be based on a fight or dueling experience,in which the wands trigger different types of special effects based onthe wand motions. Special effects vehicles 18 used in conjunction withsuch experiences may be implemented to carry onboard special effectsmodules associated with a successful wand motion, such as a flash orexplosion effect as well as special effects modules associated withunsuccessful wand motion, such as confetti or a bubble effect.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method 160 of mediating guest control ofspecial effects. The special effects control system receives (block 162)a signal based on guest input from the guest device. The input signalmay be related to a guest achievement or a guest game play event, suchas reaching a new level, hitting a target, solving a puzzle, or pickinga particular game item. Based on the signal, the special effects controlsystem selects (block 164) a vehicle from the fleet that includes anappropriate special effects module. In addition, the selecting may bebased on guest-related information that may be stored in a guestprofile. For example, a guest may specify a lack of interest inparticipating in special effects or in a subset of special effectstypes. For example, if the triggered special effect is a water spray,the method 160 may access information that the guest is not interestedin such effects. The method may then select a special effects vehiclecarrying a special effects module with an alternative effect type, suchas bubbles, scent, or confetti.

In other embodiments, a guest may indicate an allergy to a particularscent or material, and the selected special effects vehicle may bedetermined based on such information. Further, certain guests may beineligible for special effects triggering based on age or a lack of VIPstatus. In such an example, the method terminates without selecting avehicle. The vehicle selection may also be based on determining theclosest appropriate vehicle to the guest. That is, if the guest hastriggered a water effect, the method 160 selects a closet vehicle to theguest and that is carrying a water special effects module. Onceselected, the method 160 provides instructions to the selected specialeffects vehicle to execute (block 166) a flight plan to the guest and torelease (block 168) the special effects material when in proximity ofthe guest. The determination of proximity may be based on vehiclenavigation and proximity feedback as well as feedback from aguest-wearable device, such as a bracelet including a radio transceiver.Thus, the flight plan may be updated periodically or in real time.

Special effects vehicles may also be incorporated into rides. FIG. 10 isa schematic illustration of a dinosaur-themed ride in which a specialeffects vehicle 18 is implemented with an exterior appearance of aflying dinosaur that is part of the ride theme. In one embodiment, as aguest 140 approaches the vicinity of the special effects vehicle, e.g.,as determined via signals from the wearable device 144, a special effectis triggered, such as a flame effect. Multiple special effects vehicles18 may be programmed to execute random or predetermined flight plansabout the location of the ride to enhance the guest immersion. Inaddition, special effects vehicles 18 may be deployed in a ride queue tocapture guest interest while waiting for a ride. In one embodiment, thespecial effects vehicle flight path may function to lead guests througha path or maze, staying just ahead so that the guests chase the specialeffects vehicle 18.

In yet another embodiment, a special effects vehicle 18 may beprogrammed to “stay on station” within a limited area to wait forpossible guest interaction. For example, as guests move through shoppingand restaurant areas, a special effects vehicle 18 positioned in a darkalley may trigger a flash or smoke effect. After a guest approaches andthe special effect is triggered, the vehicle resumes the stay-on-stationflight plan until the next guest arrives or until the special effectsmodule is in need of replacement or service. Such special effects may beused within a ride or within other areas of the theme park.

A special effects system as provided herein may facilitate additionalguest experiences through untethered special effects that may betriggered at a wide variety of locations throughout the park. Suchspecial effects use special effects materials that are consumable andthat may only be triggered for a limited number of uses before beingrefilled or replaced. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method 180 forvehicle maintenance for special effects vehicles through anentertainment venue executing (block 182) a variety of flight plans and,under control of the special effects control system, releasing (block184) one or more special effects material. After triggering the specialeffects, the vehicle generates (block 186) a feedback related to theconsumption of the special effects material. The feedback may begenerated by a sensor coupled to a special effects module, such as apressure sensor. When the signal is associated with a depletion of thespecial effects material, the special effects control system sends asignal to the special effects vehicle, which receives (block 188) thesignal to return for maintenance. Such maintenance may include refillingor replacing special effects material. Further, the maintenance may beautomatic, whereby an individual vehicle 18 is instructed to align withan appropriate autofilling station at a maintenance location. Once afeedback from the autofiller and/or the vehicle 18 indicates that thespecial effects module has completed maintenance (e.g., an appropriatefill level of a special effects material), the maintenance signal ceasesand/or new instructions to return to station in the park may beprovided.

Previously disclosed embodiments are described in the context ofuntethered UAVs to provide a special effects platform for a theme parkor other entertainment venue. However, present embodiments may includeUAVs that are tethered as well. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates anattraction environment 200 including a special effects vehicle 18 thatis tethered to a ceiling 202 via a cable or power cord 204. The cord 204is in turn coupled to the power source 72 for the vehicle 18. In thismanner, the vehicle 18 may be implemented without an onboard powersource, which may provide certain weight advantages. In otherembodiments, the tethered vehicle 18 may have an additional onboardpower source.

While only certain features of the present embodiments have beenillustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes willoccur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat the appended claims are intended to cover all such modificationsand changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.Further, it should be understood that certain elements of the disclosedembodiments may be combined or exchanged with one another.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A special effects system comprising: aground controller; an unmanned aerial vehicle; communications circuitryof the unmanned aerial vehicle configured to transmit signals to andreceive signals from the ground controller; a vehicle controller of theunmanned aerial vehicle configured to execute a flight plan; at leastone special effects module of the unmanned aerial vehicle; a specialeffects module controller of the at least one special effects module,the special effects module controller configured to instruct the specialeffects module to activate the special effect in response to anactivation signal from the ground controller; and a special effectsmaterial disposed within the at least one special effects module, andwherein the special effects module controller is configured to cause thespecial effects material to be released in response to the activationsignal from the ground controller; and a guest device configured totransmit a guest signal to the ground controller to cause the groundcontroller to send the activation signal to the unmanned aerial vehicle.2. The special effects system of claim 1, wherein the special effectsmaterial comprises a smoke effect fluid.
 3. The special effects systemof claim 1, wherein the special effects material comprises a scentedfluid.
 4. The special effects system of claim 1, wherein the specialeffects material comprises glitter or confetti.
 5. The special effectssystem of claim 1, wherein the special effects material comprises water.6. The special effects system of claim 1, wherein the ground controlleris configured to select the unmanned aerial vehicle from a fleet ofunmanned aerial vehicles based on a proximity to the guest device. 7.The special effects system of claim 1, wherein the ground controller isconfigured to select the unmanned aerial vehicle from a fleet ofunmanned aerial vehicles based on a proximity to an associated devicelinked to the guest device, wherein the associated device is associatedwith the guest device via a family or group association.
 8. The specialeffects system of claim 1, wherein the guest device is configured towirelessly transmit the guest signal.
 9. The special effects system ofclaim 1, wherein the ground controller is configured to select theunmanned aerial vehicle from a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles basedon a presence of a desired special effects material in the specialeffects module.
 10. The special effects system of claim 9, wherein theground controller is configured to select the desired special effectsmaterial based on a previous guest achievement.
 11. The special effectssystem of claim 9, wherein the ground controller is configured to selectthe desired special effects material based on a guest permission or aguest status.
 12. The special effects system of claim 1, wherein thespecial effects module comprises a nozzle or sprayer oriented away fromthe special effects vehicle and configured to dispense a special effectsmaterial.
 13. The special effects system of claim 1, comprising a secondspecial effects module, wherein the first special effects modulecomprises a first special effects material and wherein the secondspecial effects module comprises a second special effects material. 14.The special effects system of claim 13, wherein the second specialeffects material is configured to be released together with the firstspecial effects material via the activation signal.
 15. The specialeffects system of claim 13, wherein the second special effects materialis configured to be released in response to a confirmation signal thatthe first special effects material has been released.
 16. The specialeffects system of claim 15, wherein the activation signal causes thespecial effects system to access an audio file stored in a memory. 17.The special effects system of claim 15, wherein the activation signalcomprises audio data.
 18. The special effects system of claim 1, whereinthe at least one special effects module comprises a directional speaker,and wherein the special effects module controller is configured toactivate the speaker to create an audio special effect in response tothe activation signal from the ground controller.
 19. The specialeffects system of claim 1, wherein the at least one special effectsmodule comprises a camera, and wherein the special effects modulecontroller is configured to activate the camera to capture one or bothof an image or video in response to the activation signal from theground controller.
 20. The special effects system of claim 1, whereinthe special effects module controller is configured to receive afeedback signal related to activation of the special effect.
 21. Thespecial effects system of claim 20, wherein the feedback signalcomprises an error or maintenance signal when the special effect has notbeen properly activated.
 22. The special effects system of claim 1,wherein the at least one special effects module is detachable from theunmanned aerial vehicle by operator.
 23. A special effects systemcomprising: a ground controller; a plurality of unmanned aerial vehiclesrespectively comprising: communications circuitry configured to transmitsignals to and receive signals from the ground controller; a vehiclecontroller configured to execute a flight plan; and at least one specialeffects module comprising: a special effects material; and a specialeffects module controller configured to cause the special effectsmaterial to be released in response to an activation signal from theground controller, wherein the respective flight plans of the unmannedaerial vehicles are independent of one another and are configured to beexecuted within a running time of a theme park show; and wherein theground controller is configured to generate respective activationsignals to the respective unmanned aerial vehicles to activaterespective special effects during the running time of the theme parkshow.
 24. The special effects system of claim 23, wherein the groundcontroller is configured to receive position information for arespective unmanned aerial vehicle relative to a theme park show liveactor or set piece and to release the special effects material if theposition information confirms that the respective flight plan has beencorrectly executed.
 25. The special effects system of claim 23, whereinthe ground controller is configured to receive a signal from a deviceworn by a live actor, wherein the signal cause the ground controller togenerate the activation signal to release the special effects materialof one of the plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles.
 26. The specialeffects system of claim 23, comprising an unmanned aerial vehiclecomprising at least one special effects module comprising a directionalspeaker.
 27. The special effects system of claim 23, wherein thedirectional speaker is activated to play an audio special effect at apredetermined time.
 28. A special effects system comprising: a groundcontroller; a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles respectivelycomprising: communications circuitry configured to transmit signals toand receive signals from the ground controller; a vehicle controllerconfigured to execute a flight plan; and at least one special effectsmodule comprising: a special effects material; and at least one specialeffects module controller configured to cause the special effectsmaterial to be released in response to a release signal from the groundcontroller, wherein the ground controller is configured to generaterespective maintenance signals to the respective unmanned aerialvehicles to return for service.
 29. The special effects system of claim28, wherein a maintenance signal for an individual unmanned aerialvehicle is generated based on data from an on-board sensor that iscommunicated to the ground controller.
 30. The special effects system ofclaim 29, wherein the data from the on-board sensor comprises datarelated to a release error of the special effects material.
 31. Thespecial effects system of claim 28, wherein the maintenance signal iscancelled based on updated data from the on-board sensor related to afill level of the special effects material in the special effectsmodule.
 32. The special effects system of claim 28, comprising amaintenance station configured to auto-fill the special effects modulein response to the respective maintenance signals.